Hulk SMASH!!

Okay folks ... it's time for a good old fashioned recommendation. So far, I haven't had the chance to "officially" review this game, but nonetheless, I want to make sure that all of you reading this at least check it out (well, those of you with an Xbox or PS2 at least). The game is Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction. Now, a lot of you know about my background in the comic industry. I even wrote up GameSpy's list of the 10 Best and 10 Worst Comic Games of All Time. So obviously, I'm a little more critical of comic based games than the average Joe. Even so, I've got to say that this new Hulk game is hands-down one of the best comic book based video games to hit home consoles.

I first got my hands on Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction back at E3. I put an earlier build through its paces and nitpicked what I could with the developers from Radical Entertainment. Honestly, I was surprised at how much thought and effort these guys put into the game. It was easy to see that they really wanted to put together a solid experience for newcomers AND for longtime Hulk fans. Adding to the fanboy cred of the game, Ultimate Destruction benefitted from the input of comic writer Paul Jenkins. Paul has been busy writing some of the best comic stories on store shelves, and he's been getting a LOT more involved in the video game industry as well. If you missed it before, check out the interview I did with Paul for GameSpy while at Comic-Con this year.

Moving on to the game, Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction shows just how a comic game should be done. Unlike the Hulk game based on the movie, this is pure comic greatness. Hulk can run up walls, leap over tall buildings, pound anything and everything in his path, and generally destroy anything he comes across. And if there's one thing the Hulk is known for, it's destruction. The Green Goliath can pull off some really cool tricks by interacting with his environment as well. For example, he can take a car, rip it in half, and create metal "gloves" from the two halves to increase his damage potential. Also, the Hulk can take a beat-up bus from off the street and use it to "surf" around the area, or use it as a shield to protect himself from oncoming fire. For the most part, if it's in the game, the Hulk can use it in some way.

I've been fortunate enough to have spent a lot of time with Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction. If you've ever had any interest in the Hulk, you owe it to yourself to check this game out. This is one game that shouldn't slip into obscurity because of gamers still jaded from previous comic games. In fact, here's something I'll do on my end to see that the game gets the recognition it deserves ... Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction will be the first of my semi-regular "Cheap Shills" Giveaways.

Here's the way this works ... I will occasionally get my hands on some interesting promo items / games / exclusives / etc. for different video game projects. Normally, I'll keep secret exactly WHAT I have, but I will say what company and/or game it's for. It may be something really cool ... or it may be something really cheesy. That's a chance you guys will have to take. But I'll always do my best to make sure things are fair. "So," you ask, "What do I have to do to get in on this?" Well, you're going to have to get a little creative. I'll try to come up with something a little unique each time, but basically it all boils down to you guys promoting the games and/or companies in some way. See where I get the name "Cheap Shills"?

So, this being the inaugural "Cheap Shills" Giveaway, I'll go ahead and let you know what's up for grabs ... this time at least. I have two copies of the Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction Xbox demo signed by Paul Jenkins ... something I'm sure comic fans will be giddy for. I also have a PS2 demo disc from E3, though unfortunately it wasn't signed. One key thing about these demos ... the demo is a race against the clock meant to show off some of the coolest features in the game. The thing is, at the end of the demo, you're given a special code based on the level of destruction you managed to cause. These codes can then be entered into the retail version of the game to unlock some other really cool extras. So, even when you pick up the retail version, you'll still want to play around with these demos. And finally, I have a copy of one of the limited edition reprint of Incredible Hulk #1 with a specially comissioned cover by Amanda Connor. So now that you know WHAT you may get, now it's time to sort out HOW you may get it. This time I'm making it pretty simple for you. Just post a comment to this blog entry and come up with your own unique "tribute" to the Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction. This can be a song, a short story, a poem, a game review, a picture, or anything else that comes to mind ... but be creative and have fun. The deadline is Sunday, August 28th. On Monday, I'll pick what I think are the most creative submissions, and give away the goodies accordingly.